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Dog Eat Dog: A Very Human Book About Dogs and Dog Shows
The Secret Life of Dogs meets A Good Walk Spoiled in this behind-the-scenes look at the subculture of the professional dog-show circuit.
The owners of two bullmastiffs bring the world of dog breeding and dog shows to life, offering a portrait of the canine show circuit and following one kennel's dogs through a year's worth of contests.
The owners of two bullmastiffs bring the world of dog breeding and dog shows to life, offering a portrait of the canine show circuit and following one kennel's dogs through a year's worth of contests.
- GenresNonfictionDogsAnimals
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 14, 2018
It's an entertaining read! I've never known much about dog shows and all the preparations (and politics!) that lead up to them since I've always had pound puppies and always will... After reading this, it just reaffirms my love of mutts! So many of the breeds have been bred to such extremes (and irresponsibly) that they are plagued with major health problems.
This book mainly follows one kennel's dogs (Allstar Bullmastiffs owned by Mimi Einstein) over the course of a year from the beginning of the show season in May all the way to the Westminster dog show in February. It really gives you a look behind the scenes at what it takes to have a winning dog, the ups and downs, the heartache and joy. So many people think breeding dogs is easy and lucrative... not even close to the truth! At least not if it's done well. It amazes me the huge sums of money the breeders put into their show dogs in care, breeding, travel, handling and campaigning. It's also interesting to see how a breed's popularity fluctuates from year to year. It's too bad all breeders don't take the responsibility of breeding dogs as seriously as Mimi. She really cares about her dogs and in improving the breed.
The section on rare breeds was very interesting. I wish the AKC was more strict on registrations. The rare breed clubs require the dog to conform to breed standards as well as pass numerous health tests before it can be registered. Sadly, the AKC allows registration of any puppy from AKC registered parents no matter what the quality. I know a few people who call themselves breeders. They don't show their dogs at all and seem to have no interest in improving the breed or even maintaining it since the dogs they are breeding are very poor representatives of the breed. They're in it for the money and knowingly breed poor quality dogs with major health problems producing puppies with bad hips, eye problems, bad temperments... There are good breeders out there but you have to be sure you've found one.
If you aren't looking to breed or show, take a look at your local shelter for a great purebred mutt! But if you have your heart set on a pedigreed dog, research the breeder before putting any money down. Visit the kennel to see how they care for their dogs. Take your time to find the puppy or dog that's right for you. And don't forget, there are lots of purebred dogs in the shelters and breed rescues waiting for new homes too!
This book mainly follows one kennel's dogs (Allstar Bullmastiffs owned by Mimi Einstein) over the course of a year from the beginning of the show season in May all the way to the Westminster dog show in February. It really gives you a look behind the scenes at what it takes to have a winning dog, the ups and downs, the heartache and joy. So many people think breeding dogs is easy and lucrative... not even close to the truth! At least not if it's done well. It amazes me the huge sums of money the breeders put into their show dogs in care, breeding, travel, handling and campaigning. It's also interesting to see how a breed's popularity fluctuates from year to year. It's too bad all breeders don't take the responsibility of breeding dogs as seriously as Mimi. She really cares about her dogs and in improving the breed.
The section on rare breeds was very interesting. I wish the AKC was more strict on registrations. The rare breed clubs require the dog to conform to breed standards as well as pass numerous health tests before it can be registered. Sadly, the AKC allows registration of any puppy from AKC registered parents no matter what the quality. I know a few people who call themselves breeders. They don't show their dogs at all and seem to have no interest in improving the breed or even maintaining it since the dogs they are breeding are very poor representatives of the breed. They're in it for the money and knowingly breed poor quality dogs with major health problems producing puppies with bad hips, eye problems, bad temperments... There are good breeders out there but you have to be sure you've found one.
If you aren't looking to breed or show, take a look at your local shelter for a great purebred mutt! But if you have your heart set on a pedigreed dog, research the breeder before putting any money down. Visit the kennel to see how they care for their dogs. Take your time to find the puppy or dog that's right for you. And don't forget, there are lots of purebred dogs in the shelters and breed rescues waiting for new homes too!
January 14, 2019
Meh. Not sure who is the audience for this book--people who theoretically would be interested in dog shows but don't know much about them? People who want to feel good about breeding dogs with such considerable genetic problems going on that it merits applause if one can still walk around the ring at age seven, but still get credit for "caring about the breed"? Whatever.
June 7, 2021
It was ok. About dog shows fallowing a Bull Mastiff breeder. Especially good for people interested in showing.
April 12, 2022
A very quick read, that looks into the world of show dogs and the people wo love them. Entertaining and informative.
March 22, 2012
Jane and Michael Stern's Roadfood was the book that first grabbed my attention and I've delighted in many of their other food books over the years. In Dog Eat Dog they have written their usual fact-filled book with great humor and elan, only this book is about dog shows.
Much like the recent Show Dog by Josh Dean, the Sterns' book follows a breeder and a couple of dogs, in this case Bull Mastiffs, as they compete through the year and eventually wind up at the Westminster Kennel Club show at Madison Square Garden. This book was published in 1997, but it would appear the dog show circuit hasn't changed that much in 15 years, nor have the challenges to breeding and raising dogs, or the excitement and heartbreak of winning and losing.
In their chapter on rare breeds the Sterns describe many dogs that were then not accepted by the AKC but which are now favorites at the Garden, like the Leonberger, the Glen of Imaal Terrier, the Plott Hound, the Dogue de Bordeaux, the Cane Corso, the Neopolitan Mastiff, and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. The Presa Canario (Canary Island Gripping Dog) hasn't made it to the big time, nor has the Azawakh, one of the skinniest dogs on earth. The Xoloitcuintli (Mexican hairless dog), however, was one of the new breeds at the 2012 show.
A short, crisp book that offers a fine introduction to the thrills and chills of the dog show world.
2012 No 49
Much like the recent Show Dog by Josh Dean, the Sterns' book follows a breeder and a couple of dogs, in this case Bull Mastiffs, as they compete through the year and eventually wind up at the Westminster Kennel Club show at Madison Square Garden. This book was published in 1997, but it would appear the dog show circuit hasn't changed that much in 15 years, nor have the challenges to breeding and raising dogs, or the excitement and heartbreak of winning and losing.
In their chapter on rare breeds the Sterns describe many dogs that were then not accepted by the AKC but which are now favorites at the Garden, like the Leonberger, the Glen of Imaal Terrier, the Plott Hound, the Dogue de Bordeaux, the Cane Corso, the Neopolitan Mastiff, and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. The Presa Canario (Canary Island Gripping Dog) hasn't made it to the big time, nor has the Azawakh, one of the skinniest dogs on earth. The Xoloitcuintli (Mexican hairless dog), however, was one of the new breeds at the 2012 show.
A short, crisp book that offers a fine introduction to the thrills and chills of the dog show world.
2012 No 49
October 2, 2010
I've been wanting to read this book for over a decade. Ever since reading the follow up book, Two Puppies, which isn't exactly related to the subject matter here. Rather many references to this novel are made in the text as it was written while this book was being edited and, obviously, is also about the topic of dogs.
Basically this is a book about the dog show circuit. It isn't a how-to guide or an advertisement, just an overview from an outsider perspective. It's a very anecdotal and laid back kind of read. Yet, very informative without coming off as a reference manual. Perhaps because it isn't focused on the authors themselves or their experiences, it lacks the same charm I associate with the Sterns' writing.
I enjoyed it nonetheless, but I think this is solely due to my deep interest in all things dog related.
Basically this is a book about the dog show circuit. It isn't a how-to guide or an advertisement, just an overview from an outsider perspective. It's a very anecdotal and laid back kind of read. Yet, very informative without coming off as a reference manual. Perhaps because it isn't focused on the authors themselves or their experiences, it lacks the same charm I associate with the Sterns' writing.
I enjoyed it nonetheless, but I think this is solely due to my deep interest in all things dog related.
March 7, 2009
“The world of dog shows is based on love of dogs and desire to produce beautiful examples of a breed, but it has little to do with the simple and time-honored emotional bond that defines the relationship of a pet and its master.”
Although showing is probably my least favorite part of the dog world, I loved following the Bullmastiffs around the rigors of professional dog shows and I thrilled at every mention of a breed that reminded me of a dog I knew( my friend Mandra's wonderfully protective Rottweiler, and the shy Newfoundland puppy that used to hide behind a friend of my grandmother's). The addition of chapters focusing on rare breeds like Leonbergers were an unexpected plus. Although I am sure some of the statistical information is out of date (this book was published in 1997) it succeeded it gave me a clearer understanding of the historical and emotional reasons behind breeding dogs for show.
Although showing is probably my least favorite part of the dog world, I loved following the Bullmastiffs around the rigors of professional dog shows and I thrilled at every mention of a breed that reminded me of a dog I knew( my friend Mandra's wonderfully protective Rottweiler, and the shy Newfoundland puppy that used to hide behind a friend of my grandmother's). The addition of chapters focusing on rare breeds like Leonbergers were an unexpected plus. Although I am sure some of the statistical information is out of date (this book was published in 1997) it succeeded it gave me a clearer understanding of the historical and emotional reasons behind breeding dogs for show.
December 25, 2015
Throughout my childhood, when I enjoyed Westminster very much, I always thought the handlers were putting their dog treats up to their lips before baiting the dogs. It never made sense. Now I know they were taking the bait out of their mouths, where they were keeping it throughout the show. This was the most enlightening factoid (for me) in an otherwise very pleasant little book. Both human and dog characters were well rendered and discussed with a sense of joy. Purity of bloodlines is never going to be something that inspires passion in me--I'll always favor rescue adoptions--but I do love me a good dog.
October 10, 2014
Jane and Michael Stern accompany a Bullmastiff breeder through a year on the show circuit, and along the way we meet dogs, owners, breeders, trainers, judges, and admirers. We see the tensions and exhilaration, the loyalty and competition, the humor and adoration that goes with this massive endeavor. Jane and Michael never get in the way of the facts or the fun as they teach history and biology, as well as the economics and politics of dog shows. The book is clear, accessible, and a joy to anyone who loves or has ever loved a dog, a competition, or a quest.
December 4, 2015
Good book, read it quite a few years ago. But picked it up recently to review again. And, after many years of having dogs, find the stories related in this book to be very genuine in nature. Anyone who thinks they want to show their dog should read this book.
September 20, 2010
If Bill Bryson wrote a book about dog shows, this would be it. Funny.
June 9, 2009
really interesting story about dog shows, and specifically about bullmastiffs. i don't know if i could commit to owning a dog that might not make it to 10, but they seem neat anyway. thanks, james!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews